UCI manifesto looks toward a future of supporting cycling in all forms

The Union Cycliste Internationale has published its Cycling for All Manifesto, a document that sheds light on the governing body’s vision for the future and how all forms, not just sport cycling, will be nurtured going forwards.

Described as a “core pillar” of the strategy, the UCI has declared a renewed interest in mass participation, promising to embed cycling advocacy in “all areas of UCI activity”. With this in mind the UCI has outlined a number of policy initiatives, including working closely with National Federations to establish best practice programmes to drive up modal share.

“By 2020, our target is for at least 75% of our 186 National Federations to have these programmes in place,” says the document.

Among the policy initiatives outlined by the organisation, those cities that invest in both elite cycling events, as well as everyday cycling events and infrastructure will become a UCI “Bike city”.

Furthermore, UCI ambassadors, including elite athletes, will spearhead a drive to assist with global advocacy campaigns.

Welcoming the launch of the Manifesto, UCI ident Brian Cookson said: “The launch of the UCI Cycling for All Manifesto marks an important step in our strategy to drive grassroots participation globally. It provides a vital link between the sport of cycling and the much wider activity of everyday cycling that takes place in people’s daily lives.

“We want to create a more bike-friendly world, where higher rates of cycling deliver a whole range of wider benefits, from health to environmental. Across the world, far too often it is a challenge for people to choose cycling as a form of transport, be it riding to work, travelling to school, or transporting goods to the market by bike. The UCI wants to make journeys by bike safer and more accessible for all. We encourage our National Federations and Continental Confederations, the cycling advocacy community, the cycling industry, and political leaders across the world to work with us in this essential area.”